Market News
Russia remains the top European source market for Thailand. During Jan-May 2012, more than half a million Russians (578,000) visited Thailand, which was 10% growth on last year’s figures. In May alone, 64,000 Russians spent their May holidays in Thailand, a 52% growth on 2011 figures. A total of 2.6 million Europeans visited Thailand in 2011 and the market grew by 11%.
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During the 5 months of 2012, Montenegro received a 21% growth in Russian visitors. Overall, 100,000 Russians went to Montenegro in January-June period of this year. Together with other CIS nationals, Russians make up 25% of all international arrivals to this county.
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As of July, 2012 Bulgaria started issuing one year multiple entry visas for Russian, Ukrainian and Moldovan citizen who already had a Bulgarian visa in 2011. This will provide a good growth stimulus for the destination. Bulgaria also has 16 visa centers across Russia. Bulgaria expects up to 650,000 Russian visitors in 2012, a 30% increase on 2011 figures. Russia is the 3rd large source market for Bulgaria after Germany and Greece, with a strong growth rate in children’s holiday (+34%). 300,000 Russians have bought real estate in Bulgaria, 40% of which are holiday properties and 15% are permanent residences.
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407,000 Russians were granted Spanish visas during the first 6 months of 2012, a 35% increase on than last year’s figures. In June alone, 155,000 visas were issued. One of the main reasons for the constant growing demand for Spain is the straight forward visa procedures. Key TO’s selling Spain such as Natalie Tour and Pegas Touristik, reported 40% growth for this market.
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One of the top Russian tour operators, Natalie Tours, will add France to its destination list from September 2012. Programs will be based on the new Transaero flight schedule and will be offered 5 times a week, and then daily, from two Moscow airports. In the future, Natalie Tours plans to add other Russian and CIS cities. At present, Natalie Tours is one of the top producers for Spain,
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One of the Tour operators for Greece, Biblio Globus, reported a 65% increase in sales to Greece in the first 6 months of 2012. 25% of all customers where children (up to 12 years old), which indicates that Greece is an increasingly popular destination for the Russian family market. While important source markets for Greece such as Germany and the UK are falling off due to political issues with Germany and the general economic stagnation in Europe, the Russian market is providing an important source of much needed traffic to the cash strapped country. Greek hoteliers have released a large no. of special offers for Russian visitors. Biblio Globus plans to send between 120-130,000 Russians to Greece this season.
